Computing resource management in information technology systems

ABSTRACT

A computing resource management system maintains plural sessions for managing plural computing resources using an administration console. The system further maintains a management user interface on an electronic display screen of the administration console. The management user interface includes plural tabbed user interface elements, wherein each user interface element corresponds to a session for managing a computing resource via a communication link. The system dynamically refreshes the status of each computing resource in a corresponding user interface element tab in the management user interface. User interaction with a user interface element based on user input is monitored, and based on the user interaction with a user interface element, display a panel is displayed on the display for the user managing the corresponding computing resource.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to content presentation and inparticular to content presentation for computing resource management.

1. Background Information

Administrators often use management systems to manage servers. This isperformed as needed for each server, one at a time. Administrators areresponsible for managing an increasing numbers of servers. There mayalso be simultaneous problems on multiple servers. A top goal of anadministrator is to identify and address server problems as quickly aspossible, requiring a management system that assists in achieving thatgoal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide content presentation using userinterfaces for managing computing resources. According to an embodimentof the invention, a computing resource management system maintainsplural sessions for managing plural computing resources using anadministration console. The system further maintains a management userinterface on an electronic display screen of the administration console.The management user interface includes plural tabbed user interfaceelements, wherein each user interface element corresponds to a sessionfor managing a computing resource via a communication link. The systemdynamically refreshes the status of each computing resource in acorresponding user interface element tab in the management userinterface. User interaction with a user interface element based on userinput is monitored, and based on the user interaction with a userinterface element, a panel is displayed on the display for the usermanaging the corresponding computing resource.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of theinvention, as well as a preferred mode of use, reference should be madeto the following detailed description read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a system for content presentation, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a system model for content presentation, accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a management user interface comprising a tabbedsession window including user interface (UI) elements for managing toolsand/or multiple computing resources using content presentation,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails for managingtools and/or multiple computing resources using content presentation,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and another example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails formanaging tools and/or multiple computing resources using contentpresentation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and another example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails formanaging tools and/or multiple computing resources using contentpresentation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2E illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and another example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails formanaging tools and/or multiple computing resources using contentpresentation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates another management user interface comprising atabbed session window including UI elements for managing tools and/ormultiple computing resources using content presentation, according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails for managingtools and/or multiple computing resources using content presentation,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a tabbed session window including tabbed thumbnails,and another example user interaction with the tabbed thumbnails formanaging tools and/or multiple computing resources using contentpresentation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a process flowchart for content presentation,according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level block diagram of an informationprocessing system useful for implementing one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the invention and is not meant to limit theinventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification, as well as meanings understood by those skilled inthe art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. Thedescription may disclose several preferred embodiments for contentpresentation, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. Whilethe following description will be described in terms of contentpresentation systems and processes for clarity and placing the inventionin context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may havebroad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.

Embodiments of the invention provide content presentation on electronicdisplays in a management system, for managing computing resources suchas servers, server components, applications, tools, modules, etc., viaone or more administration consoles.

In one embodiment of the invention, remote sessions are established onadministration consoles for managing multiple servers. The remotesessions provide management user interfaces for remotely managing (i.e.,monitoring and/or controlling) servers in information technologysystems. A remote administration console can be used to remotely managemultiple servers, or multiple components of a server. In one example, aremote administration console comprises a client computer system, and aserver comprises one or more servers such as blade servers.

According to embodiments of the invention, the management userinterfaces include user interface elements that represent the computingresources being remotely managed. As such, in one embodiment of theinvention content presentation comprises providing a management UI on anelectronic display monitor of an administration console, wherein themanagement UI includes dynamic UI elements such as visual tabs formanaged computing resources. Further, content presentation includesproviding dynamic visual tabs in the management UI for tools, sessions,and management panels via a single tabbed management UI for managingcomputing resources.

According to embodiments of the invention, with UI elements representingtools (e.g., applications), remote sessions and server user interfacepanels as thumbnail tabs available in a management UI on a tabbed bar,an operator can switch among the various thumbnail tabs for managingvarious computing resources. In one example, this allows transferringinformation between multiple panels to manage computing resources.Thumbnail tabs allows the user to preemptively use information such asinitiating a long-running task using a thumbnail tab, while usinganother thumbnail tab for monitoring the long running task via itsthumbnail.

Embodiments of the invention provide dynamic visual tabs such as sessionthumbnails in the management UI representing sessions on administrationconsoles for servers being managed. A tabbed user interface in themanagement UI is provided which allows a view of each server beingmanaged via a tab, along with facilitating delving into any of thedynamic sessions via a single click by selecting a desired tab.

Embodiments of the invention provide a tabbed user interface fordynamically displaying remote sessions as UI elements for monitoringcomputing resources such as servers, server components, applications,software tools, module, etc. In one embodiment, the UI elements comprisethumbnail sessions corresponding to said remote sessions for computingresource management. When an operator interacts with a UI element (suchas by clicking, or placing a mouse pointer, on the UI element) a panelsuch as a window panel is displayed with more detailed statusinformation of a corresponding computing resource being managed (e.g.,monitored and/or controlled). Such a tabbed UI allows an operator (e.g.,an administrator) to randomly access, and transition between, variousoverlaying panels for managing the computing resources.

Embodiments of the invention further provide visual indicators alongwith the thumbnails in the management UI to guide a user to informationfor possible investigation. For example, an error screen on a managedserver indicating a sever error may be given additional emphasis in themanagement UI on an administration console, such as flashing the sessionthumbnail of that managed server, placing a red border around thesession thumbnail, placing a red icon on top of the session thumbnail,etc. For less severe issues (such as the completion of a long runningcommand in a console session), indications such as a checkmark icon maybe overlaid on a session thumbnail or adjacent to it. This provides auser (administrator) more independence in opening other sessions andperforming work while waiting for the checkmark to appear.

An embodiment of the invention is described below in relation to amanagement session. The management session includes a management UIrepresented as a graphical user interface (GUI) implemented on anadministration console for managing servers such as blade servers ininformation technology systems. Managing a server may include monitoringand/or controlling the server.

The management session on an administration console comprises one ormore remote sessions, wherein the management session provides saidmanagement UI including UI elements, each UI element representing aserver being remotely managed. An administration console is used tomanage multiple servers using the management UI.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an information technology system 10according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 10 comprises amanagement server 11 and one or more administration consoles 12, whereinthe management server 11 is configured for connection to eachadministration console 12 via a communication link. The managementserver 11 is connected to multiple servers 13 to be managed.

In one embodiment, an administration console 12 includes an input device14, an electronic display screen 15, a GUI module 16 configured forcontrolling display of content elements such as UI elements, tabs,thumbnails, panels and windows on the display screen 15. Theadministration console 12 further includes a communication module 22(such as a network interface module) configured for informationcommunication over a communication link (e.g., network, channel,wireless link), a processing module 18 including processor, memory andlogic, and a management module 19 configured for providing a managementsession comprising at least one remote session (RS) on theadministration console 12 for managing computing resources (such asserver 13, components of the servers 13, applications, tools, etc.) viathe management server 11.

A managed server may have multiple remote sessions at the administrationconsole for managing server components (e.g., virtual machines, storage,etc.) of that server. The management module further provides amanagement UI such as a management session window 17 that allows a userto manage computing resources.

The management module 19 along with the management server 11 allowoperators to manage servers from an administration console 12. Acontroller module 20 in the management server 11 enables processing andcommunication between the administration consoles 12 and the managementserver 11, thereby enabling a number of active remote sessions RS ateach administration console 12 for managing one or more servers andmanaging one or more components of each server. The management serverfurther includes a communication module 20A and hardware 20B.

The GUI module 16 and the management module 19 form a UI control system2 (FIG. 1B) for an information technology system 1. The UI controlsystem 2 provides content presentation in a user interface 6 (such asthe management UI window 17 in FIG. 1A) on an electronic displayscreen/monitor 15. The user interface 6 includes UI elements (such as UIelements 25 in FIG. 1A). The UI control system 2 controls the userinterface 6 and the GUI elements therein, based on user input (inputevent) via the input device 14.

In one embodiment, the UI control system 2 includes a UI model 5including factors which dictate system response based on userinteraction with the UI elements and based on other factors such asstatus of servers being monitored. In one embodiment, the UI model 5 maycomprise a look-up table or programming of factors which dictate systemresponse based on user interaction with a UI element for each of anumber of factors (e.g., user input such as pointer motion, pointerlocation, pointer hover, mouse-over), as described further below. Thefactors of the UI model 5 may be updated/modified as desired for variousdesired behaviors.

FIG. 2A shows an example management UI window 17 including UI elements25, wherein each UI element corresponds to a virtual machine (VM)running on a server 13 such as a blade server. In this example, the UIelements 25 comprise thumbnail tabs organized on tab bar 28. Each UIelement 25 comprises a thumbnail of screen output of a corresponding VMat the server. As such, each of the several VMs of the server 13 isviewable in a dynamic thumbnail 25 in the window 17. Each thumbnail 25is on tab on a tab area 28. This allows the user to use the dynamicvisual tabs to help guide them in managing servers and servercomponents.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment of the invention the user(administrator) is managing seven VM sessions (i.e., win1, win2, win3,win4, win5, Lx6, Lx7). In this example, initially the user has selectedthe thumbnail tab 25 for VM win1 wherein a panel 29 shows the fullscreen output of VM win1 (i.e., an enlarged version of the informationin the thumbnail for VM win1). The user notices that that VM win2 hasencountered an error as visible in the corresponding thumbnail tab 25.As illustrated in FIG. 2B, in one embodiment of the invention the userselects (e.g., clicks via a mouse pointer 26) the thumbnail tab 25 forVM win2, wherein an enlarged screen of the VM win2 is displayed on panel29. The user may then manage (e.g., control, monitor) VM win2 throughthe panel 29 (e.g., restart VM win5, etc.).

After managing VM win2, the user elects to manage VM Lx7. From thethumbnail 25 for VM Lx7 (without selecting/enlarging the thumbnail forVM Lx7), the user can view that VM Lx7 requires a login and password.The dynamic thumbnail tab 25 preemptively helps guide the user inobtaining the login and password information. The user may obtain suchinformation in various ways. In one example, when such information isnot immediately at the disposal of the user, the user may sendelectronic mail (email) to an operator to obtain such information. Theuser may then perform other operations such as managing other VMs. Laterwhen the operator responds to the email with the information, the userselects (e.g., clicks via a mouse pointer 26) the thumbnail tab 25 forVM Lx7 as illustrated in FIG. 2C according to an embodiment of theinvention, wherein an enlarged screen of the VM Lx7 is displayed onpanel 29. The user may then enter the login and password informationinto panel 29 for VM Lx7 to further interact with VM Lx7.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, in one embodiment of the invention after theuser logs into VM Lx7, the dynamic thumbnail for VM Lx7 changes in realtime to reflect the current screen output of VM Lx7. This is useful toreinforce that the dynamic thumbnails 25 can be relied on.

In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2E,additional informative information 25A may be displayed near thumbnail25 in the management UI window 17 (such as in the tab bar 28). Suchinformation may include additional visual cues such as icons and textand other additional emphasis on events that guide the user to theappropriate thumbnail for managing servers, as well as preparing theuser for taking action. These additional visual cues may be triggereddirectly from the underlying events captured by the system (e.g., by themanagement server 11), or by an analysis of the image in the thumbnails25. For example, characteristics of a system crash, including visualcharacteristics on the server screen outputs, may be monitored/detectedby the management module 19 (e.g., color tone, two colors, homogeneityof a particular color, text, a login entry field in the middle of ascreen, etc.). Other characteristics such as command failure may bemonitored for a long running command (e.g., command prompt retuned).

Embodiments of the invention further provide integration of sessions,views, and tools that an administrator utilizes in managing servers. Oneexample of such integration involves displaying separate tabs (sessionthumbnails) within one tabbed bar in the management UI. Thumbnails andkey status information indicators are used for sessions that arecurrently active. For a currently inactive session, a tab is provided inthe management UI such that the user may click on the tab, or apushbutton surfaced on the tab, to quickly initiate an application(tool) associated with that tab.

Embodiments of the invention are useful for remote management inapplications such as AMM (IBM Advanced Management Module) to provide aremote out-of-band session (not through the operating system, andappearing as if locally connected) with a server such as a blade server.In one embodiment, the invention integrates the remote sessions andcorresponding server UI elements in a single management UI, wherein eachUI element is simply accessible via a tabbed user interface and sessionthumbnail.

The management UI integrates potentially independently developed tools(applications) and displays corresponding UI elements for user selectionand utilization in managing one or more servers from an integrated UI.

FIG. 3A shows a management UI window 17 according to another embodimentof the invention. The management UI window 17 comprises a set of UIelements 25, such as dynamic thumbnail tabs, for various remotesessions, consoles, and tools in a UI bar 28 at the top of themanagement UI window 17. In this example, the management UI window 17includes dynamic thumbnail tabs 25 representing remote sessions at aadministration console 12, for managing components of a server 13 suchas a blade server (e.g., Blade05).

The user selects a thumbnail 25 for a higher-level management session(e.g., Director Appliance) to investigate a server (i.e., Svr MEP) thatwas reported to be having a problem. The user observes the problem byviewing the dynamic thumbnail 25 for the server Svr MEP.

The dynamic thumbnails 25 provide efficient and random-access selectioncapability to the user, wherein the user via a single click of a mousepointer 26 is provided with a panel 29 which in this example is anenlarged view of the thumbnail as screen output of server Svr MEP. Theuser then utilizes the panel 29 as a management console for managingserver Svr MEP, as shown in FIG. 3B. The user clicks on IMMthumbnail/tab to view a management console (such as display screen anduser interface) for interacting with, and managing, IMM computingresource via an administration console 12.

For diagnosing Blade05, a thumbnail 25 is provided on the tab bar 28 asa DSA thumbnail (push button). The user selects the DSA thumbnail toinitiate a DSA tool panel 29 for diagnosing Blade05 as shown by examplein FIG. 3C.

According to embodiments of the invention, utilizing remote sessions andcomputing resource interface panels as thumbnail tabs 25 on a tabbed bar28 in a management UI session window 17, an operator can switch amongthe various thumbnail tabs 25 for managing various servers and servercomponents. In one example, this allows cut and pasting, and usinginformation and functions from multiple panels 29 to manage servers. Thethumbnails 25 allows the user to preemptively use information such asinitiating a long-running task using a thumbnail tab 25, while usinganother thumbnail tab 25 for monitoring the long running task via itsthumbnail.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a RS is established for acomputing resource (e.g., a server 13, a component of a server 13, anapplication/tool 22A, etc.) at an administration console 12 (FIG. 1A),wherein the management module 19 causes the GUI module 16 to display acorresponding UI element 25 for the computing resource in a managementsession comprising the tabbed UI session window 17, on the displayscreen 15. In one embodiment, a UI element 25 displays statusinformation for the corresponding managed computing resource as obtainedfrom the management server 11. A user may utilize an input device 14(e.g., a pointer such as a mouse or touch screen) to manipulate each UIelement 25 in a management session window 17 as controlled by the GUImodule 16.

According to an embodiment of the invention, an administration consolecomprises a remote administration console, wherein the management module19 maintains a remote session RS for computing resource that is managedby that remote administration console 12. As such, there is a remotesession RS for each managed computing resource. Each remote session RShas a corresponding UI element 25 in the management UI session window 17that is associated with the corresponding computing resource. Themanagement UI session window 17 displays information includinginformation about the computing resources that are made accessible tothe remote consoles via the controller module 20 of the managementserver 11 (and additional management servers 11 as may be needed).

In one embodiment of the invention, each thumbnail UI element 25provides status information for a corresponding computing resource, in atabbed management UI session window 17. In general terms, a thumbnail isa reduced version of a window in a UI, wherein the thumbnail occupies asmaller area of the display screen than the window itself and typicallydisplays a subset of the information of the window.

In one embodiment of the invention, said management module 19 monitorsuser interaction with each UI element 25, by detecting user interactionwith the UI elements 25 (such as clicking on a UI element 25). In oneembodiment, the management module 19 communicates the user interactioninformation to the controller module 20 of the management server 11,which prompts the controller module 20 to transmit additional or updatedstatus information for one or more computing resources to the managementmodule 19 for display in the management UI session window 17 of theadministration console 12, and/or or send control information from theadministration console 12 to the computing resource.

The controller module 20 maintains a server session (SS) for eachmanaged computing resource. Each server session SS at the managementserver 11 for an associated managed computing resource, is associatedwith a corresponding remote session RS at a administration console 12.In one embodiment of the invention, a server session SS comprises amodule providing a session management process for processingstatus/control information for the corresponding managed computingresource. In one embodiment, a remote session RS comprises a moduleproviding a session management process for keeping track of useractivity and interaction with the administration console (such as with aUI element associated with a corresponding remote session RS).

In one embodiment, when a user interacts with a thumbnail tab 25 byproviding input using an input device such as a mouse pointer, thesystem displays a content element for the thumbnail tab 25 (e.g., atabbed window panel 28) on the display screen.

In one embodiment of the invention, a managed computing resource mayhave one or more dynamic sessions at an administration console 12 (e.g.,a remote session with an operating system, and also an out-of-bandsession). In that case such a computing resource has multiple thumbnailtabs 25, and corresponding RS sessions and SS sessions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the management module (i.e.,monitoring module) 19 at the administration console 12 is configured torefresh one or more thumbnail tabs 25 in the session window 17 withfull/partial refresh information from the management server 11. One ormore thumbnail tabs 25 may be less frequently refreshed, or refreshedwith less information (e.g., with lower color depth and resolution).

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a process 30, according to an embodiment ofthe invention, comprising the following process blocks:

-   -   Block 31: Establish one or more remote sessions at an        administration console for managing one or more corresponding        computing resources.    -   Block 32: At a management server, determine status of each        computing resource being managed.    -   Block 33: Display a tabbed session window including thumbnail        tabs at the administration console, the thumbnail tabs providing        access to tools (applications) and to information about managed        computing resources.    -   Block 34: Dynamically refresh one more thumbnail tabs managed        computing resources based on the status information from the        manages resources.    -   Block 35: Monitor user interaction with the thumbnail tabs at        the administration console.    -   Block 36: Based on the user interaction with a thumbnail tab,        display additional information related to the thumbnail tab as        tab panel for further user interaction with the tab panel for        monitoring/controlling a corresponding tool or computing        resource.

In one example, process block 34 involves dynamically selectivelyobtaining and/or displaying information (e.g., server status) from themanagement server to the administration console over the communicationlink for one or more UI elements needing refresh. The quantity ofrefresh information requested/received for each managed computingresource can be a function of the display status (e.g., visible portion,thumbnail, window) of the session at the administration console for themanaged computing resource.

In one example, process block 34 involves updating the thumbnail tab fora tool (application) 22A (FIG. 1A) as the tool executes. For example, atool such as DSA (IBM Dynamic System Analysis) collects diagnosticinformation that can take minutes to execute. The user at console 12 maystart the diagnostics on the DSA thumbnail/tab, and then switch toanother thumbnail/tab in the session window 17 to do other work whileperipherally monitoring the progress on the DSA thumbnail to show signsof the task being completed. In one example, the tools/applications 22Amay comprise components in the local consoles 12, in the managementserver 11, and/or in one or more servers 13.

Embodiments of the invention are also useful with other collections ofservers, such as rack-optimized servers, and for other data centerequipment such as storage and networking devices. As such, embodimentsof the invention provide a one-stop full-problem view for monitoring,and dealing with, problem servers (e.g., servers that areunderperforming, require maintenance, have abnormal status).

Embodiments of the invention can take the form of a computer simulationor program product accessible from a computer-usable orcomputer-readable medium providing program code for use by or inconnection with a computer, processing device, or any instructionexecution system. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method orcomputer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present inventionmay take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that mayall generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or“system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more computerreadable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodiedthereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, radio frequency (RF), etc., or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code forcarrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may bewritten in any combination of one or more programming languages,including an object oriented programming language such as Java,Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (forexample, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

FIG. 5 is a high level block diagram showing an information processingsystem 100 useful for implementing one embodiment of the presentinvention. The computer system 100 includes one or more processors, suchas one or more processors 102. The processor 102 is connected to acommunication infrastructure 104 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-overbar, or network).

The computer system can include a display interface 106 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 104(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 108.The computer system also includes a main memory 110, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 112. Thesecondary memory 112 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 114and/or a removable storage drive 116, representing, for example, afloppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. Theremovable storage drive 116 reads from and/or writes to a removablestorage unit 118 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skillin the art. Removable storage unit 118 represents, for example, a floppydisk, a compact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, etc., whichis read by and written to by removable storage drive 116. As will beappreciated, the removable storage unit 118 includes a computer readablemedium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 112 may include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into the computer system. Such means may include, for example, aremovable storage unit 120 and an interface 122. Examples of such meansmay include a program package and package interface (such as that foundin video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, orPROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 120 andinterfaces 122 which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 120 to the computer system.

The computer system may also include a communications interface 124.Communications interface 124 allows software and data to be transferredbetween the computer system and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 124 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, or a PCMCIA slot andcard, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface124 are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic,electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received bycommunications interface 124. These signals are provided tocommunications interface 124 via a communications path (i.e., channel)126. This communications path 126 carries signals and may be implementedusing wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link,an RF link, and/or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usablemedium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer tomedia such as main memory 110 and secondary memory 112, removablestorage drive 116, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 114.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored inmain memory 110 and/or secondary memory 112. Computer programs may alsobe received via a communication interface 124. Such computer programs,when run, enable the computer system to perform the features of thepresent invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when run, enable the processor 102 to perform the features ofthe computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs representcontrollers of the computer system.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of computing resource management,comprising: maintaining plural sessions for managing plural computingresources using an administration console; maintaining a management userinterface on an electronic display screen of the administration console,the management user interface comprising plural visual tabbed userinterface elements, wherein each user interface element corresponds to asession for remotely managing a computing resource via a communicationlink, wherein managing a computing resource comprises monitoring andcontrolling the computing resource, wherein controlling the computingresource comprises sending control information to the computingresource; dynamically refreshing the status of each computing resourcein a corresponding user interface element tab in the management userinterface based on a visible portion of the display screen; monitoringuser interaction with a user interface element based on user input;based on the user interaction with a user interface element, displayinga panel on the display screen for the user managing the correspondingcomputing resource; and selectively transmitting a quantity of refreshinformation for a user interface element from a management server to theadministration console for display in the user interface element,wherein the quantity of refresh information transmitted is a function ofdisplay status for the corresponding computing resource on theadministration console, wherein the refresh information comprises statusinformation for the corresponding computing resource, wherein thedisplay status comprises one of a thumbnail and a window.
 2. The methodof claim 1 wherein a computing resource comprises a server system,wherein the administration console sends the control information to thecomputing resource.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein a computingresource comprises an application module.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the panel comprises a remote session window, and multiplecomputing resources are managed using multiple panels.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a user interface element comprises a thumbnail tabincluding a screen output of a corresponding virtual machine (VM) at aserver, wherein multiple VMs running on the server are monitored andcontrolled.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising selectivelyproviding additional visual information for a thumbnail tab to alert auser to status of a corresponding computing resource.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein said panel comprises an enlarged view of thecorresponding thumbnail enabling user interaction with the correspondingcomputing resource.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:selectively transmitting a quantity of refresh information for a panelfrom a management server to the administration console for display inthe panel, wherein the refresh information comprises status informationfor a corresponding computing resource.
 9. A computer program productfor computing resource management comprising: a non-transitory computerusable storage medium having computer readable program code embodiedtherewith for execution on a computer, the computer readable programcode configured to: maintain plural sessions for managing pluralcomputing resources using an administration console; maintain amanagement user interface on an electronic display screen of theadministration console, the management user interface comprising pluralvisual tabbed user interface elements, wherein each user interfaceelement corresponds to a session for remotely managing a computingresource via a communication link, wherein managing a computing resourcecomprises monitoring and controlling the computing resource, whereincontrolling the computing resource comprises sending control informationto the computing resource; dynamically refresh the status of eachcomputing resource in a corresponding user interface element tab in themanagement user interface based on a visible portion of the displayscreen; monitor user interaction with a user interface element based onuser input; based on the user interaction with a user interface element,display a panel on the display for the user managing the correspondingcomputing resource; and selectively transmit a quantity of refreshinformation for a user interface element from a management server to theadministration console for display in the user interface element,wherein the quantity of refresh information transmitted is a function ofdisplay status for the corresponding computing resource on theadministration console, wherein the refresh information comprises statusinformation for the corresponding computing resource, wherein thedisplay status comprises one of a thumbnail and a window.
 10. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, wherein a computing resourcecomprises one or more of: a server system, and an application module.11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the panel comprisesa remote session window, and multiple computing resources are managedusing multiple panels.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9,wherein a user interface element comprises a thumbnail tab including ascreen output of a corresponding virtual machine (VM) at a server,wherein multiple VMs running on the server are monitored and controlled.13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the computerreadable program code is configured to: selectively provide additionalvisual indicators for a thumbnail tab to alert a user to status of acorresponding computing resource.
 14. The computer program product ofclaim 12, wherein said panel comprises an enlarged view of thecorresponding thumbnail enabling user interaction with the correspondingcomputing resource.
 15. A system for computer resource management,comprising: a management module using a hardware processor formaintaining plural sessions for managing plural computing resourcesusing an administration console; a user interface module using thehardware processor for maintaining a management user interface on anelectronic display screen of the administration console, the managementuser interface comprising plural visual tabbed user interface elements,wherein each user interface element corresponds to a session forremotely managing a computing resource via a communication link, whereinmanaging a computing resource comprises monitoring and controlling thecomputing resource, wherein controlling the computing resource comprisessending control information to the computing resource; and themanagement module further using the hardware processor for dynamicallyrefreshing the status of each computing resource in a corresponding userinterface element tab in the management user interface based on avisible portion of the display screen, and monitoring user interactionwith a user interface element based on user input, wherein based on theuser interaction with a user interface element, the monitor modulecauses display of a panel on the display for the user managing thecorresponding computing resource, and for selectively transmitting aquantity of refresh information for a user interface element from amanagement server to the administration console for display in the userinterface element, wherein the quantity of refresh informationtransmitted is a function of display status for the correspondingcomputing resource on the administration console, wherein the refreshinformation comprises status information for the corresponding computingresource, wherein the display status comprises one of a thumbnail and awindow.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein a computing resourcecomprises one or more of: a server system, and an application module.17. The system of claim 15, wherein: the panel comprises a remotesession window; a user interface element comprises a thumbnail tab; themanagement module further selectively provides additional visualinformation for a thumbnail tab to alert a user to status of acorresponding computing resource; and said panel comprises an enlargedview of the corresponding thumbnail enabling user interaction with thecorresponding managed computing resource.